Category Archives: Films

Festivals, Films

Shaun the Sheep meets the Sundance Kid

Leave a comment

IMG_0298.JPG

The new Shaun The Sheep movie has been selected to screen as part of the Children’s Strand at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

The screening will mark the film’s US debut and it’s rare to see a British animation picked for the festival founded by Robert Redford.

I love the idea of such a British film playing in the snowy depths of Utah to bemused Hollywood execs.

Meanwhile a new poster for the film has been released – as you can see above.

The Shaun the Sheep Movie will be in UK cinemas on February 6.

Films, Theatre

Maureen Lipman joins Harvey

Leave a comment

IMG_0293.JPG

Maureen Lipman is joining James Dreyfus in the new stage production of Harvey.

The play opens at Birmingham Rep on February 6 before touring the country ahead of a West End transfer.

Lipman will play Veta, who tries to get her brother, Elwood P. Dowd (Dreyfus) committed rather than risk the family’s reputation.

Films, TV

Clooney heads to Hollywood

Leave a comment

IMG_0292.JPG

George Clooney is working on a new TV series set at a Hollywood film studio during the 1990s.

Apparently it’s a dark comedy looking at the movie business through the eyes of the studio bosses running the studio.

At the moment Clooney is in talks with various TV networks but I would expect them to jump at the chance to work with the Oscar winner.

Clooney will be producing the show but we don’t know at this stage if he’ll appear in the series.

Films, Trailers

The Force Awakens character names revealed

Leave a comment

IMG_0288.JPG

Are you one of the 47 million people who have watched the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

Well now some of the names of the characters unveiled in the trailer have been revealed.

First of all the little droid seen rolling through shot is called BB-8.

IMG_0289.JPG

The X-Wing pilot played by Oscar Issac is Poe Dameron. John Boeyga is Finn and Daisy Ridley is Rey. Finally the mysterious figure with the light sabre that sent the Internet into meltdown is Kylo Ren – but we still don’t know who’s playing him/her.

I find it intriguing that we’re not being told Finn or Rey’s surnames…

Films, Trailers

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies clip

Leave a comment

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies finally arrives in cinemas on Friday.

I’ve seen it and it pains me to say it, but I think it’s the weakest of all the Middle-earth films.

The first hour drags until it gets to the battle and then you see why Peter Jackson is an absolute master at action sequences.

And I admit, I spent the final 20 minutes in tears – Martin Freeman, who isn’t on screen that much, is fantastic!

Here’s a clip of Freeman’s Bilbo getting all feisty with Gandalf

Films, Music

Backstreet’s back – alright?

Leave a comment

IMG_0284.JPG

A new documentary about the Backstreet Boys will be released in UK cinemas on February 26.

Backstreet Boys: Show Em What You’re Made Of celebrates the band’s 20th anniversary and the screening will include a special performance by the band.

“We can’t wait to go back to the UK to treat our fans to a very special BSB performance alongside showcasing our film that we are so very proud of. We think the Brits and everyone who comes out to see it will love it!,” say the Backstreet Boys.

Films

Barack and Michelle head to the big screeen

Leave a comment

IMG_0283.JPG

A new film about how Barack and Michelle Obama fell in love will begin filming next summer.

Southside With You will follow the couple’s very first date when they visited Chicago’a Art Institute, took a long walk, and went to see Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.

Tika Sumpter has been cast as Michelle with produers now searching for an actor to play the future President.

Awards, Films

Best of British at BIFA Awards

Leave a comment

The stars of British cinema will be out in London on Sunday night at the annual Moët British Independent Film Awards.

IMG_0277-0.JPG

Emma Thompson and Benedict Cumberbatch are being honoured with special awards whilst drama 71 leads the nominations with nine followed by Pride with seven nods.

A whole who’s who of acting talent will be there including Alicia Vikander, Andrew Scott, Asa Butterfield, Anne Marie Duff, Bill Bailey, Charles Dance, Douglas Booth, George Mackay, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Helen Mirren, Jamie Sives, Jared Harris, Jodie Whittaker, Keira Knightley, Lesley Manville, Mark Strong, Max Irons, Maxine Peake, Mike Leigh, Olivia Colman, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Stanley Tucci, Timothy Spall and Tom Hollander.

The awards are being hosted by Simon Bird of The Inbetweeners and this year you can watch them live on YouTube – or below!

Films, Music, TV

Brad helps out Rihanna

Leave a comment

IMG_0271.JPG

Brad Pitt is set to introduce Rihanna at a big fundraising gala in aid of her Clara Lionel Foundation.

Pitt and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will introduce Rihanna’s performance at the event in Beverly Hills on December 11.

“It is such an honour to have Jimmy Kimmel host this event,” Rihanna said in a statement.

“There is no one more hilarious to make the first annual Diamond Ball an incredible night. I’m blessed by his support. Brad Pitt is not only a phenomenal talent, but I admire him and am inspired by his philanthropic work,” she added.